2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 51%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,609miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 51% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,609 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“All factory hard brake lines have failed due to corrosion. I've replaced the intermediate line between the master cylinder and distribution block with stainless steel 1.5 yrs ago. I just replaced the rear brake lines along the axel. Now the front brake lines have failed. In all cases the lines failed while driving and emptied the master cylinder. I do not live in the salt belt.”
NHTSA complaint #11023798, filed 2017-09, 104,000 miles“Brake line failure due to rusted & corroded brake lines resulting in costly repairs. Luckily my 2004 chevy SILVERADO 3500 was stationary when brake line ruptured and I was not towing a trailer or loaded with cargo at the time of failure. The ABS pump also failed prior to line failure. My father in law had similar issues with the same model year 1500. Why does GM not use stainless brake lines for such an important safety component.”
NHTSA complaint #10927504, filed 2016-11, 248,000 miles“Had just hooked up our 38' - 12,000lb fifth wheel and headed out for the weekend. Came to the first stop sign and the brake pedal went to the floor. Luckily got stopped with trailer brakes. After stopping, pumping brakes caused brake fluid to pour out from just in front of the driver's side rear wheel. Upon research when we arrived home, I find that this is an ongoing issue with Chevrolet trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #10537851, filed 2013-08, 74,000 miles“2 problems: 1- while driving with no warning the brakes failed. After coasting to a stop I noticed a brake line had ruptured at the frame rail under driver area. I was able to crimp brake line with a pair of vice grip pliers and move truck to a safe location for repair. I believe the brake lines used on these trucks to be of such inferior quality that sudden failure is a common occurrence. 2- my truck has dual tanks for diesel fuel and they have worked sporadically for years. I did not see this as a safety issue as much as an inconvenience. …”
NHTSA complaint #10849665, filed 2016-03, 136,000 miles“In march while driving my 2004 chevy 3500 diesel truck the brake warning lights inside the cab lit up and the brake pedal was feeling spongy. I took it into classic auto group mentor for service. A wheel bearing was replaced along with a few other items and I was told that it was good to go. I picked it up. The brake pedal was still spongy and the warning lights were still on. On april 22, I returned to the classic auto group chevy service to again have the brakes serviced. They billed me $1400.00 to change a valve, a module and some screws. …”
NHTSA complaint #10713360, filed 2015-04, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242252Aug 18, 2023This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10226382Oct 18, 2022This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10162149Jun 24, 2019This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10246647Sep 1, 2014Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246646Apr 1, 2014Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246645Nov 1, 2013Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10112560Nov 9, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about brake rotors on new vehicles and replacement parts from General Motors Service Parts…
- 10112544Nov 6, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a power steering pump whine noise. Technician will need to flush…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 25% |
| 2024 | 12 | 24% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2021 | 5 | 12% |
| 2020 | 7 | 17% |
| 2019 | 3 | 14% |
| 2018 | 1 | 5% |
| 2016 | 10 | 20% |
| 2015 | 10 | 19% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 1 | 10% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2006 | 17 | 33% |
| 2005 | 17 | 37% |
| 2004 | 21 | 51% |
| 2003 | 24 | 57% |
| 2002 | 23 | 46% |
| 2001 | 37 | 51% |
| 2000 | 38 | 48% |
| 1999 | 22 | 47% |
| 1998 | 24 | 36% |
| 1997 | 26 | 43% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
7 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology